Obituary

Mrs. Barbara Ann Carpenter, age 78 of San Tan Valley Arizona passed away at Banner Ironwood Medical Center surrounded by her family.

She was born in Schoenebeck Germany on February 23, 1941 to her parents Karl Ernst Louis Butz and Anna Winkelmann Butz. While working for the U.S. Army, she met the love of her life J.C. Carpenter and they were married on June 14, 1963. Together they had three sons. Barbara worked tirelessly to learn English and study to become a fully naturalized citizen after immigrating to the United States in 1965.

She lovingly raised her three sons with her husband while living and working in Kent, Washington. A Den Mother, active in the PTA for her sons schools, she also knew what terrible music sounded like while listening to her sons practice various musical instruments, sometimes late into the night. Always being there to support her children and her family, this was her first love in life with the only equal being her love for her husband.

Barbara loved life as she loved her family. She enjoyed her time whether seeing the countryside on long weekend drives, on the back of the motorcycle when her husband would take her for long trips, or while camping with the family and enjoying the outdoors. She learned her love of fishing in Leavenworth which is a memory her oldest son’s hold dear and will never forget. She supported all of her children in each of their endeavors and she always worked hard to help her family prosper and grow. She sacrificed for her children as a true mother would do, and enjoyed the fruits of her work in the love of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She loved bringing people joy in their lives especially when she could do so working as a florist. When flowers weren’t available she used baked goods and just her generous smile and love of the world. Spending time with family friends and neighbors, spreading her love and support to all.

If a life can be measured in the people touched, Barbara would be among the best. Her endless love was a lesson taught deeply to her family and flowed on from them.

Barbara is survived by her husband J.C. and their three sons Michael, Thomas and Kevin who with their wives Roni, Dawn and Christy have six grandchildren Aubrey, Caitlin, Ryan, Alicia, Lauren and Hailey as well as her great grandchildren Tyrome, Bobbie Ann and soon to be Kristyn.